The Ashanti Regional Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the National Security, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Ghana Police Service to investigate what it describes as “baseless and malicious” allegations of criminal conduct against the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye.
The petition follows an allegation by the Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry, Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah, that Dr Ayew Afriye planned to mobilise members of the NPP Nasara Wing to attack him and his church.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Youth Wing said the allegation was a serious claim that the MP had been involved in a criminal conspiracy to perpetrate violence.
The group, which identifies Dr Ayew Afriye as its Patron, rejected the allegation as “wicked, false and entirely without foundation”, insisting that he had never instructed, directed or encouraged the Youth Wing, Nasara Wing or any individual or group to attack Prophet Owusu Bempah, his church or its members.
It described the MP as an “affable, disciplined and peace-loving leader” who had consistently demonstrated restraint even when faced with provocation.
The Youth Wing also accused Prophet Owusu Bempah of pursuing what it described as a personal agenda against the NPP flagbearer, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and the party through what it characterised as spiritual prophecy.
According to the group, the latest allegation could no longer be treated merely as political or theological commentary because it involved a public accusation against a sitting MP of participating in an alleged criminal conspiracy.
It is therefore calling on the security agencies to conduct an investigation to determine whether there is any evidence to support the allegation.
The group has also urged the agencies to invite Prophet Owusu Bempah to substantiate his claim with evidence showing that Dr Ayew Afriye planned or mobilised any group to attack him or his church.
It further wants the appropriate legal action to be taken if investigations establish that the allegation was false and was made with the intention of inciting public disaffection, creating fear and panic or damaging the reputation of the MP.
The Youth Wing has also appealed to the security agencies to take measures to protect Dr Ayew Afriye, arguing that the allegation could expose him to hostility, threats or possible retaliation.
It stressed that the petition was not intended to target Prophet Owusu Bempah or his ministry but was prompted by concerns about the safety, reputation and dignity of its Patron.
The group maintained that serious allegations of criminal conduct made publicly must either be supported by credible evidence or withdrawn.
It expressed confidence that the security agencies would give the petition the necessary attention and take appropriate steps to establish the facts surrounding the allegation.
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